Juventus closing in on Manchester United defensive target

Juventus are reportedly close to sealing the signing of Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna, a long-term target of Manchester United.

According to Goal.com, it is just a matter of time until the 25-year-old sparks anger across the Turin rivalry to join the Old Lady, after the two clubs reportedly agreed a fee which is in excess of €14m.

The Italian international has been tipped to secure a move to a big club this summer, and Premier League champions Manchester United had sent scouts to watch him in action at the end of last season.

Ogbonna revealed at the time that he was flattered by the interested from the Red Devils, but it would appear that he is more likely to remain in Italy next season.

It is believed that Juve will include two players in the deal with their city rivals, with Ciro Immobile and Frederik Sorensen paired with a move to Torino.

The Bianconeri have wasted little time in strengthening ahead of next season after already securing the services of Federico Peluso on a permanent basis, after he joined the club on loan last season.

Boss Antonio Conte has clearly made a point of improving his defensive options, despite already boasting three defenders in the Italian line-up at the Confederations Cup.

However, the arrival of Ogbonna, pending official confirmation, will be one of the bigger scalps of the summer with interest stretching across Italy including from the likes of Milan.

Juventus will be bidding for a third consecutive league title next season, and their astute moves in the transfer market suggest they will be favourites to clinch a hat-trick of titles ahead of the new campaign.